“VERNON DOWNS CONCLUDES
SEASON WITH DOUBLE DIGIT INCREASE IN EXPORT HANDLE”
Live Handle Also
Increases
VERNON, NY – Vernon Downs saw a double-digit increase in
export wagering handle and single-digit growth in live handle during its
recently concluded live racing season.
The export handle (money wagered on Vernon’s races at
off-track facilities) increased by 14 percent while the live handle (money
wager on-track on live races) increased by one percent.
“We are delighted by the double-digit increase in our export
handle and continue to be pleased to see positive on-track numbers,” said Jason
M. Settlemoir, Vice President of Racing and Simulcast. “We thank all of the
horseplayers across the U.S. and Canada for their support and look forward to
continue to provide them with an attractive wagering product in the future.”
The 2012 season wrapped up on November 2-3 and featured the
second annual Turn Back the Clock Rewind Races, a series of 7/8 mile races
contested in the clockwise direction. More than 2,500 fans attended the races
on Closing Night despite temperatures hovering in the upper 30s.
60-year-old Rick Plano topped the driver and trainer
standings, the first time such a feat had been accomplished during a full
Vernon Downs season since 1989.
Other seasonal highlights included Ron Pierce’s dramatic
victory in the 6th Annual Drivers’ Championship, held at Vernon
Downs for the first time. On that same August afternoon, Hambletonian champion
Market Share set a track record while winning the Zweig Memorial and super
filly Check Me Out broke her own world record of 1:51.3.
